13 March 2009

Whooping Cough vaccine not just for kids

NSW Minister for Health John Della Bosca today encouraged adults - as well as children - to be vaccinated to help control the whooping cough epidemic.

Mr Della Bosca said while most people were vaccinated as an infant, they needed to receive a booster shot as adults to keep them protected.

“It’s especially important for new parents or people who work with babies to be vaccinated against this potentially deadly disease,” the Minister said.

“The current rates of whooping cough are alarming, but we can all do our bit to make sure the community at large is protected.

“A free booster vaccination for whooping cough is currently available to new parents, grandparents and people who work with babies from all GPs across NSW.

“This week, public health officers have taken the unprecedented step of writing to all new parents across the State advising of arrangements for the free vaccine for adults and contacting all GPs to encourage vaccination to stem the rise in whooping cough cases.

“During the first two months of this year there have been 3,356 cases reported compared to 448 cases at the same time last year – a seven fold increase,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“Earlier this week there was the tragic death of a four-week old baby following complications through whooping cough.

“This is a serious illness and I urge all new parents, grandparents and any other adult that regularly cares for infants less than 12 months of age, to get a free booster vaccine – available now from GPs.”

NSW Health advises the symptoms of whooping cough include:

• Runny nose
• Tiredness
• Mild fever

“Coughing bouts then develop followed by a big deep gasp which sometimes produces a whooping sound. Vomiting may follow these bouts of coughing,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“However, adults often just have a cough without the whoop.

“Whooping cough is easily spread to other people by droplets from coughing,” the Minister said.

“So it is important that people are treated early with antibiotics to stop the spread of the disease,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“NSW Health recommends all children be given the combination vaccine to protect against six conditions including whooping cough – normally given at two months, four months and six months of age.

“In light of the current outbreak, parents and GPs are asked to bring the first dose forward to six weeks of age to provide earlier protection.

“A further vaccine is given at four years, with a booster due at age 15 through the schoolbased vaccination program.

“Getting immunised against whooping cough can literally mean the difference between life and death – and I would urge everyone eligible for the booster shot to get it as soon as possible.”

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au